I was recently going through the very thick logbook of an ex RCAF pilot. Among the many entries were 2 mustangs that he flew when stationed in Manitoba. They were 9300 and 9561. Amazingly enough, both are surviving today! I was wondering if anyone would have a source for photos of either of these aircraft in RCAF colours?

I'm looking for source(s) for P-51D throttle quadrants. They do not have to be original - they can be newly made.

I've searched everywhere I can think of but to no avail. So I was wondering if anyone knew where they might be made or obtained.Can't imagine they are never needed - especially with the full control 2 seaters that are being flown.

Curtis F.- After a lot more research I can state that I was wrong re: date of first test flight of the bubble canopy. I stated November 17, 1943 because that was what Gruenhagen stated. Ray Wagner 'kinda implied it' but both must have made a mistake.

The IARC for P-51B-10 42-106539 (#1 P-51D) was completed October 25, 1943 from the Experimental Shop. The P-51B-1 43-12102 was only completed a couple of days earlier.

102 was first flown by Chilton on November 6, 1943 and P-51D-1 42-106539 on 11-17-1943. IMO, these two P-51B-10's which served as the pre-production P-51D were never, in any form, a P-51B-10. The serial numbers were assigned simply for project tracking purposes while developing production planning and tooling development at a separate location to be the beginning of the P-51D-5 line. Existing NAA-97/99/102/104 parts plus new NA-106 parts were fabricated and assembled to make the two P-51D "Specials". You can state November 17 for the first P-51D Special flight but be certain that 43-93102 preceded it several months earlier.

Opinion - it not only was not extracted from the P-51B-10 production line for modification, but was completed 10 full weeks before the very first 42-106xxx block was delivered (42-106429) on Jan 10, 1944.

The IARC for P-51B-1 43-12105 (shown many times above as the first P-51 modified with Bubble canopy) was delivered 6-25-43, transported via surface to NAA-KC on June 30, 1943, returned to Inglewood on July 18, 1943 then on to Wright Pat on 7-25-43.

The specific date for 102's first flight remains open until someone can look at Chilton's logbooks.

It is almost certain that the first flight was a.) post delivery between June 25 and June 30 before preparation for transport to KC, or b.) between 7-18 when it was flown from NAA-KC back to Inglewood and 7-25 when it was flown to Wright Pat for evaluation.

It is equally certain that NONE of the P-51D's including NA-106 flew with birdcage canopy. There are many 106 Equipment drawings dated in the June/July 1943 timeframe showing the bubble canopy/six gun wing - and the Mustang Master Dimensions Book has the P-51D profile with Bubble canopy dated 4/29/43.

You could try contacting Thom Richardson at the Kissimmee Air Museum in central Florida.They had to have one custom made for Precious Metal after loosing it on the race course at Reno a couple years ago.

Hi everybody.Will Try to explain my problem in few words.I need The both clamshell doors for my 51 D project, I already hold The both inner shape and some parts for The locking mechanism.I already contacted several company but they are not "hot" to make me my both parts without my wings in their shop!! and I desparate to find some company or something to do this job...If you have some idea or good adress, that Will help me for sure.All The Best.MR

The Collings Foundation is about to launch it's rebuilt TF-51D. The project is taking on the identity of TF-51D Toulouse Nuts. We have the original cowling featuring the name. What we don't have is the art work on the accessory cowling. It features two nuts...seems simple. BUT there is no clear photo. We are doing our best to keep it as accurate as possible. We are offering dual in Toulouse Nuts, once it joins the Wings of Freedom tour on a between city flight. The conditions...we need a clear photo of the artwork. We have 3 books published by Jack Smith on the 167th ANG...and 3 photos of 655...but no clear shots of the noseart. I have attached the best photo we have. Please email me at jharley@collingsfoundation.org